Magic Contract

The Minister's office was silent. Bones sat there without saying a word, lost in thought.

Kyle sat across from her, idly fiddling with the gold Galleon on the desk.

During that time, someone came to report on their work to Bones, but she sent them away and went back to staring blankly.

Kyle did not rush her either.

Who knew how long passed before Bones finally came back to herself and looked up at Kyle.

"A hundred thousand Galleons—I can't agree to that. Or rather, no Minister would agree to it.

"That sum is too large. It could even affect the Ministry of Magic's normal operations."

"So there's no room for negotiation?" Kyle shrugged.

"Not necessarily." Bones stood up. "I've thought of a compromise."

"What is it?"

"The Ministry of Magic is willing to pay two thousand Galleons to buy the right to use this thing of yours for a period of time, starting now and lasting until we defeat Voldemort."

Kyle asked curiously, "What does that mean?"

"The same conditions as before," Bones explained. "This communication item can only be used by the Ministry of Magic and must not appear anywhere else, but the restriction will not be permanent.

"If we defeat Voldemort, that restriction will end. After that, you can do whatever you want with it, and the Ministry will not interfere."

"Two thousand Galleons... I'm still losing out a bit," Kyle said after thinking it over.

"I'm not good at haggling. This is already the highest price I can offer," Bones said. "The Ministry must keep enough funds in reserve. Any more than that, and I can only say sorry."

"Fine." Kyle asked, "Then what if Voldemort falls tomorrow?"

"The Ministry will still pay you two thousand Galleons," Bones blurted out.

"That does sound pretty good." Kyle